On September 25, Elder, Knowledge Keeper, educator, and former Skeetchestn Tkwen’miple7 (councillor) Terry Deneault visited New Afton to share his story and truths ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A residential school survivor, Terry recalled the moment Indian agents arrived to take him away as a child and spoke about the impacts that experience carried throughout his life. He shared the changes he saw and championed over his 45-year political career as Tkwen’miple7 of Skeetchestn, including the opening of the New Afton Mine. He emphasized the importance of truth-telling and the responsibility reconciliation demands in politics, communities, and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
His message was clear: reconciliation cannot move forward without first acknowledging truth.
Employees gathered to listen, reflect, and share in bannock prepared by Cooler Trailers, owned by Crystal Adolph and Tk’emlups te Secwépemc member Nacoma George. Their presence and contributions created space for connection and reflection that went beyond words.
The day reminded us that reconciliation is not a single action or event — it is an ongoing commitment. New Afton recognizes that responsible mining goes beyond managing environmental impacts; it requires respect for the land and for the people who have lived here since time immemorial. Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are essential to shaping a responsible future.
